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American Heart Association

Engaged Employer

The Worst Career Experience in My Life!!!!! - Development Director American Heart Association Employee Review

1.0
Dec 31, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Cons

Where do I begin... What a complete nightmare. If you are looking for an organization that will micromanage the very life out of you to the point that you couldn't come up with an original thought or idea if you had to- this is your place! Horrible organizational structure, more drama than a daytime soap, back to back meetings, conference calls and webinars to talk about the vast amount of work that needs to be done without actually leaving you any real time to do the work, unrealistic expectations for newly hired employees, excessive amount of focus on "Best Practices" leaving no room for a plan B approach when their plan doesn't work- if the cookie cutter plan isn't working it has to be the employee- right??? More stress and pressure than any one person should have to live under on a daily basis. Reports- like doing crazy, crazy amounts of reporting- redundant, ridiculous reporting? - This is your place. GAP meetings!!! Don't get me started- these meetings are intended to berate you and pick through every single spec of the project to which you are assigned all under the guise of "trying to help you close the gap". I have personally witnessed people leaving these meetings in tears and sick to their stomach. How can this be viewed as helpful? I worked with 2-3 nice, well intentioned people who I feel blessed to know. Beyond that, it is appalling how poorly one group of people can behave and how deplorable their words and actions towards others are displayed. I'm embarrassed to say that I allowed myself to spend almost 11 months in this environment. I've worked for some really great companies and alongside some amazing people in my career. This organization is not for people who care about others and want to be surrounded with positivity in their work. I'm so thankful that I've moved on from this horrible and degrading experience.

Explore other reviews about American Heart Association

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The American Heart Association is a great place to work. Throughout my tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally while supporting a mission that truly makes a difference. I especially appreciate the organization’s commitment to work-life balance and its supportive culture. I’m proud to be part of the AHA family.

Cons

I do not have any cons

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This organization makes internal mobility a priority by focusing on career conversations with staff, their learning and development platform, recognition of great work, mentoring programs, and opportunities for employees to connect outside of their roles. It's a mission-driven organization where staff feel that their opinions are valued and that the work that they do is important, no matter their role. Incredible leads in the C-suite and regions that use feedback to drive change and results. When they say competitive pay from other non-profits, they mean it.

Cons

Department structure can be kind of confusing at times. Several training and development teams for systems, so it's hard to know who to go to first. Limited clarity on the structure of the Technology support teams. Always introducing new systems into the organization for efficiency, except certain aspects of existing software are not being maximized to their full potential. Multiple systems cause overwhelm for new hires as they start since there is no central location ("one-stop-shop") for them to find their resources.

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